Tenders released for the delivery of NSW Hillsborough Road upgrade

The tender to deliver the Hillsborough Road upgrade has been released to market, marking an important milestone for Stage 1 of the project. 

The New South Wales Government has invested $35 million to upgrade a 1.8-kilometre stretch of road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout to the existing duplication west of Crockett Street. 

Stage 1 will include upgrading the Crockett Street intersection alongside the installation of traffic lights and duplication of 700 metres of the road at this location. 

“The 36,000 motorists who use Hillsborough Road daily can look forward to more reliable journeys, with improved traffic flow, safety, and accessibility for all road users. 

“This Hillsborough Road upgrade is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing committment to set our regional communities up for the future, improving safety on our regional, rural and remote roads, reducing travel times and increasing productivity,” Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said. 

The construction contract for Stage 1 is due to be awarded in early 2026. The first stage of works is expected to take about 18 months to complete, subject to final staging arrangements. 

Transport for NSW sought community feedback on the concept design and environmental assessment in November 2022 and the submissions report was published in August 2023. 

Preparation works including potholing, geotechnical, and utility investigations were carried out in August 2024. 

“This upgrade has been a long time coming for our community. Hillsborough Road is one of the busiest routes in our region and finally moving to the tender stage is a major step forward. 

“This investment will not only improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians but will also make it easier for people to get where they need to go, whether that’s work, school, or supporting local businesses. 

“I know how important this project is for local residents, and I’ll continue to advocate for further stages to be delivered as quickly as possible,” Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said. 

The full Hillsborough Road upgrade is proposed to involve: 

• Duplication of about 1.8 kilometres of Hillsborough Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout to the existing duplication west of Crockett Street 

• Two lanes in each direction separated by a raised median 

• Posted speed limit of 60km/h 

• New traffic lights at the Chadwick Street, Barker Avenue and Crockett Street intersection including pedestian crossings 

• Modification to Higham Road with left turn out only 

• U-turn bay on Barker Avenue 

• New separated left in and left out only exit for access to the Combined Newcastle Canine Club showgrounds 

• Left in and left out only access from existing businesses and residences fronting Hillsborough Road east of the Combined Newcastle Canine Club showgrounds 

• On-road provision for cyclists in both directions and an off-road shared path on the northern side of Hillsborough Road for both cyclists and pedestrians 

• Upgraded bus stop facilities on Hillsborough Road near the Crockett Street and Chadwick Street intersections and on Crockett Street 

“Hillsborough Road is a vital link for the Lake Macquarie community and I know how frustrating the congestion has been for locals. 

“This project will deliver safer intersections, smoother traffic flow and better connections for all road users. 

“By delivering this upgrade, the Minns Labor Government is showing its commitment to making our roads safer and more reliable, and to backing in the infrastructure that communities like ours deserve,” Labor Spokesperson for Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal said. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia